Releasing Hope
Largest-ever number of Chinese sturgeons released into the Yangtze River amid ongoing e"orts to conserve the endangered species
Over 200,000 Chinese sturgeons in diffierent age groups ranging from infant to 15 years old were released into the Yangtze River on 28 March during the annual release event designed to bolster the population of this endangered species and raise public awareness. The event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affiairs of China and China Three Gorges Group (CTG), took place in Yichang City, central China’s Hubei Province.
The Chinese sturgeon, an anadromous fish unique to China, is a flagship species of aquatic life in the Yangtze River. With a history spanning 140 million years, it is one of the oldest vertebrates on Earth. Born in the Yangtze River, the sturgeon travels downstream to mature in coastal waters, and then returns to the river to spawn. As their growth cycle is very long, it takes over a decade for them to reach adulthood and get ready for reproduction.
According to Du Hejun, director of the Species Conservation Research Offce of the Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute under CTG, the releasing time and site was determined based on the biological characteristics of Chinese sturgeons.
A total of 1 million Chinese sturgeons will be released in multiple batches this year, according to the plan of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affiairs of China, reaching a record high. Additionally, as part of effiorts to protect the biodiversity of the Yangtze River, release events for other endangered species including Bronze Gudgeon, and the Chinese suckerfish will also be held later this year.
Research progress
Technological advancements have significantly contributed to conservation effiorts. Since the prohibition of wild sturgeon fishing in China in 2009, researchers from the Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute have pioneered artificial breeding techniques, establishing a robust population of second-filial-generation sturgeon, spawn of the first-generation sturgeons which were grown from harvested eggs that were hatched and fertilised, with balanced gender ratios across all age groups.
Genetic sequencing technologies have further enhanced understanding of the biology of the Chinese sturgeon, enabling precise breeding and growth management. According to Yang Jing, deputy director of the
Species Conservation Research Offce, the primary application of genetic sequencing in conservation practice is in identifying the sex of Chinese sturgeons at an early stage. Since Chinese sturgeons have no secondary sexual characteristics, distinguishing their sex by appearance alone is not possible. Before the emergence of this technology, the sex of Chinese sturgeons could not be accurately identified until they were about five years old. Equipped with this technology, researchers can ensure the genetic diversity of Chinese sturgeons, regulate their sex ratio, and provide targeted nutritional supplements to female and male ones.
Long-term vision
Additionally, various marking methods, including satellite telemetry, ultrasonic tracking, PIT mark, T-type mark, and fluorescent mark have been employed to monitor the movements of the released sturgeon, and facilitate ongoing research and conservation effiorts. These marking methods serve various purposes and can fulfil diffierent roles in tracking of Chinese sturgeon populations, laying the groundwork for subsequent research.
Scientific and technological advancements are further bolstered by government policies on the conservation of the natural environment and management of fishery. Policies such as the 10-year full fishing ban in the Yangtze River further contribute to creating a conducive environment for the Chinese sturgeon as well as other endangered aquatic creatures.
With the advancement of science and technology, there is hope for a brighter future for the Chinese sturgeon. The releases of an increasing number of sturgeons each year show the country’s commitment to conservation. A substantial volume of releases is vital given the species’ long life and late maturity. While we cannot predict the precise outcome of the releases in a short time, increasing the number of releases certainly enhances the likelihood of positive results.
“The loss of numerous species to extinction due to insuffcient technology and scientific research in the past fills me with profound sorrow and regret. Therefore, we are determined to maximise our effiorts to protect the Chinese sturgeon,” Shu Tingting, a researcher from the Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, told ChinAfrica.
Collective e!orts
The success of conservation initiatives hinges not only on scientific expertise but also on collective societal involvement. The participation of volunteers and local communities in release events reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Participants of this years’ event included researchers, volunteers from diverse backgrounds, students from Three Gorges University and local citizens.
Public release events provide invaluable opportunities for residents to witness and engage with this endangered species, fostering greater appreciation and conservation effiorts. Before these fish were released into the Yangtze River through inflatable slides, a large number of locals gathered to watch the sturgeons of diffierent sizes swimming in the containers. Volunteers helped to move the sturgeons one at a time into the small pools connected with the slides using a special tool. At least two people are needed to carry the larger sturgeons.
For Wu Jianmin, this is the second time to participate in the release of the Chinese sturgeon. Thirteen years ago, he came across the release event while jogging along the river and instantly decided to participate in the release event. This year, he signed up to become a volunteer. As a local resident who lives close by the Yangtze River, he truly feels the outcome of protecting the Yangtze River and its aquatic inhabitants.
The attention of young people can help to enhance public awareness about the protection of Chinese sturgeon. Some of the student volunteers are from the College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering of China Three Gorges University. The Yixin Chinese Sturgeon and Finless Porpoise Volunteer Service Team is a group of students committed to the protection and popularisation of rare aquatic animals in the Yangtze River. “The opportunity to observe the Chinese sturgeon closely is a supplement to my studies. As a member of the team, I can do a better job in spreading related knowledge after witnessing and touching this creature,” Yang Sen, a master’s student in hydraulic engineering, told ChinAfrica.
By expanding conservation effiorts beyond the confines of laboratories and into the wider community, the Chinese sturgeon can become a symbol of global conservation success, embodying the resilience of nature and the power of collective action.
A total of 1 million Chinese sturgeons will be released in multiple batches this year, according to the plan of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural A#airs of China, reaching a record high.